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Pets in the cabin

A small cat or dog can be taken into the Economy Class cabin of most KLM flights, and in Business Class on most KLM flights within Europe:

In a suitable pet travel bag with max. dimensions 46 (length) x 28 (width) x 24 (height) cm. Your pet must be able to stand up and lay down comfortably.

Total weight of pet + travel bag or kennel may be max. 8 kg (18 lbs).

The kennel must be put under the seat in front of you (therefore exit rows are excluded). It is not allowed to take your pet out of the travel bag or kennel.

Always make a reservation for your pet by telephone. Please note that we have room for a limited number of kennels in the cabin. Therefore we strongly advise you to make the reservation at the latest within 24 hours after you have booked your ticket, but at least 48 hours before departure. Unfortunately it is not possible to bring a pet in the cabin in Business Class on intercontinental KLM flights, because there is no space for your pet under the seat in front of you. Please make sure you have the kennel dimensions and weight available. If you want to bring your assistance dog with you into the cabin, please make sure that you meet the requirements.

Pets as check-in baggage

Your cat or dog may travel as check-in baggage in a ventilated part of the aircraft:

In a kennel that complies with IATA rules – for example those of the 'Sky' and 'Vari' brands. See below for precise rules for your pet’s kennel.

Total weight of your pet and kennel combined may be max. 75 kg (165 lbs).

Two adult animals of comparable size that are compatible, up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each. Or three animals up to six months old from the same litter, up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each.

On all KLM flights (and on KLM Cityhopper flights of less than 2 hours). Between 1 November and 31 March each year, pets cannot be taken in the hold of Fokker aircraft because it cannot be heated.

We accept a maximum of three pets per passenger as check-in baggage. Above that limit, pets must be shipped as cargo.

Always make a reservation for your pet by telephone. We strongly advise you to do so at the latest within 24 hours after you have booked your ticket, but at least 48 hours before departure. Please note that each passenger may bring up to 3 pets but that we have room for a limited number of kennels in the hold.

Snub-nosed animals such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Pekinese and Persian cats can have trouble breathing during the flight due to high temperatures and stress. To ensure their well-being, most snub-nosed animals may therefore only be transported in the cabin or as cargo. Unfortunately, we do also not transport English and French bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs in the hold or as cargo.

Some countries do not allow pets being transported to and/or from that country - neither as hand baggage, nor as check-in baggage. For more information about these exceptions, please visit the website of IATA . For questions about transporting your pet as freight, please contact AIR FRANCE-KLM Cargo 

Special rules apply to service animals which have been trained to assist passengers with disabilities, or rescue teams. You can request more information from KLM Cares.

At the airport, we will use a checklist for your pet, travel documents and kennel.

Before departure

Allow 5 days before the flight for your pet to get used to its kennel.

Give your pet a light meal and/or water at the latest 2 hours before departure and walk your dog just before. During the flight your pet will not be given any food or water.

Tranquillizing your pet should only be done in consultation with a veterinarian.

The check-in process for pets may take some time. We recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before your scheduled departure time, and bringing a filled out form for transporting your pet as check-in baggage.

Costs

The costs depend on the destination. Also, if your pet is travelling as check-in baggage and the transfer at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport lasts 2 hours or longer, you will have to pay an additional EUR 150 (or USD/CAD 200) to cover the animal’s care during the transfer.

In the animal hotel, we’ll give it something to eat and drink, dogs will be walked and cats will get a fresh litter box while they stay in a larger kennel.